Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had 'hoped to move in with the Queen at Windsor Castle'

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle described Winsdor as a “special place” when it was announced late last year that they would be moving into Frogmore Cottage.

But it has been suggested they initially had a slightly more grand abode in mind when deciding to move to the area and up-size from their Kensington Palace apartment in time for the arrival of baby son Archie in May.

“There are empty bedrooms and suites in the private apartments which the Sussexes may have had their eye on, or perhaps some former living quarters in the castle grounds converted into other things,” explains royal author Hugo Vickers.

“But I can see how it might not be entirely appropriate to have a young family living there.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reported to have hoped to move in with the Queen at Windsor Castle [Image: Getty]

It is thought that Harry, 34, and Meghan, 38, felt an affinity with Windsor Castle, since it is where they chose to get married and have since had their son christened.

The royal fortress in Berkshire, which dates back to the 11th century, is where the Queen spends most of her weekends, and it is her official residence in Easter and June.